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When traveling by air, it's crucial to understand which items are prohibited or restricted in your carry-on or checked baggage to ensure flight safety and avoid being denied boarding at the airport. This article lists the categories of items prohibited/restricted from being carried in the passenger cabin or as carry-on baggage, applicable to domestic and international flights departing from Vietnam.

Category of Dangerous Goods Prohibited from Carriage on Aircraft

Explosives, flammable substances, or other items used to cause serious injury or threaten the safety of the aircraft are prohibited (unless otherwise specified by law):

• Ammunition: (Except when accepted by the aircraft operator for carriage in checked baggage under specific conditions outlined in Part 8, Section 1.1.2 of Doc 9284 - Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, by the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO).

• Detonators of all types.

• Fuses, detonating cords.

• Mines, grenades, and other military explosive devices.

• Fireworks such as firecrackers, explosive fireworks, display fireworks, sparklers, flare fireworks, signal flares, and gunpowder.

• Smoke cartridges, smoke generators.

• Explosives, gunpowder, plastic explosives.

• Gasoline, oil, lighter fluid, unsafe matches (strike-anywhere matches), liquid oxygen.

Regulations on Liquids in Carry-on Baggage on International Flights

• Maximum 100ml per container.

• Total maximum 1000ml (1 liter) in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (zip-top bag).

• Liquids purchased at duty-free shops are permitted if they remain sealed in a security tamper-evident bag.

Category of Dangerous Goods Prohibited in Restricted Areas and Aircraft Cabins

• Explosives and Flammable Substances: Including detonators, detonating cords, and other components used to cause injury or threaten the safety of the aircraft.

• Weapons, Firearms, and Items Designed to Cause Injury: Or items resembling weapons, including firearm components and ammunition (stun guns, homemade firearms such as 3D-printed guns, unidentified types).

• Chemicals.

• Sharp-edged Items and Projectiles: That can be used to cause serious injury.

• Tools: That can be used to cause serious injury or threaten aircraft safety.

• Blunt Objects: That can cause serious injury when used in an assault.

• Liquids, Pastes, and Aerosols: As specifically detailed in the liquid control guidelines.

Separately Screened Items

These items require individual screening:

• Laptops

• Electronic devices

• Large cameras

Please note: The information above is illustrative and not exhaustive. For detailed regulations on dangerous goods and restricted items in carry-on and checked baggage at Vietnamese airports, please refer to official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bring liquids like perfumes and cosmetics on the plane? 

Yes, but for international flights, liquids must be in containers no larger than 100ml, with a total volume not exceeding 1,000ml (1 liter), and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag. For domestic flights, regulations might be more flexible, but it's still advisable to pack liquids carefully.

2. Can I bring a lighter, razor, or small scissors in my carry-on baggage?

• Small gas lighters: Only one small gas lighter per person is allowed in carry-on baggage and is prohibited in checked baggage.
• Knives, scissors, and sharp objects: These are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be placed in checked baggage.

3. Are medications and personal needles (e.g., insulin) allowed

Yes, these are permitted, but you must declare them to airport security. It's recommended to carry a prescription or a medical certificate for convenient inspection.

4. Can I bring power banks and lithium batteries? Yes, if:

• The capacity is under 100Wh.
• They are carried in carry-on baggage only and are not permitted in checked baggage.
• Some airlines may allow batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh with prior approval.

5. What happens if I carry a prohibited item?

Depending on the severity, passengers may face:

• Confiscation of the item.

• Refusal of carriage.

• Administrative fines or criminal prosecution if related to dangerous items or legal violations.